.520 rb mold

[hobbles]

Mornin all, any one know where I can get me a .520 round ball mold?? I can't seem to find one, It would be for a .53 cal, I believe,,,,

[44man]

Rapine lists a .520 mould.
Have you measured your bore? What kind of rifle is it and what is the twist rate?

[hobbles]

Mornin 44man
I'm shootin a GM 54 round ball barrel, I just want to try the 520s out of it, Just experimenting,

[versifier]

Wanting to try Nesbitt's undersize method out to see if they will group? I bet it will, too, at least "minute of deer". In the other direction, I've got a .535 sitting around that I got years ago for a friend's shot-out T/C. I haven't tried it in my GM, the patches I have are too thick - maybe some worn flannel will work. If you want some of the balls in that size to play with, PM me and I'll send you some.

[44man]

A .540 barrel should use no less then a .535 ball for accuracy. Some use a .530 ball for easy loading but accuracy will not be as good unless a very thick patch is used. The thing you want is the ball must be engraved BY THE GROOVES .005" deep. Yes, they are hard to start and take a hard hit on the ball starter, but will go down smooth from then on.
I use a patch of .020" with a .535 ball. It takes a Karate chop to start, but I get almost one hole groups at 50 yd's.
If you go smaller then .530, you are going to have trouble getting a thick enough patch and the ball will strip the rifling.
My best accuracy has always been with bore size balls. .540, .450, etc with .010" to .012" patches but they are hard to start.
With a smaller ball, you are getting into smooth bore territory.